It is a requirement of your Tier 4 visa to be enrolled and studying. If you cease studying for whatever reason your visa is no longer valid and you must return to your home country.

What happens if I withdraw from my course?

If you withdraw from your course, either by your choice or the decision of the university, your withdrawal will be reported to UKVI, who will then begin the process to curtail your visa. Curtailment is the act of shortening or cancelling a visa. UKVI will send you a letter to confirm that your visa has been curtailed so as to expire in 60 days, regardless of how much time you originally had left. The university will email you before you are reported.

What happens if I decide to take a break from my studies?

If you decide that you wish to take a leave of absence or an authorised break due to personal, financial or academic reasons then this will also be reported to UKVI. Similar to a withdrawal, you must return to your home country as your visa will be curtailed so as to expire within 60 days. The university will email you before you are reported.

What if there is a break in studies because there are no modules running?

You may be in a situation where you have an involuntary break in studies. This could likely be caused because you have to repeat previously failed modules in order to continue with your course and they are not running until the next semester. If you are in this situation, where you are not enrolled on any modules for a semester, it is similar to a leave of absence and this will also be reported to UKVI. You must return to your home country as your visa will be curtailed so as to expire within 60 days. The university will email you before you are reported.

When does the 60 day countdown begin?

We cannot predict when the 60 days will begin as it depends on the workload at UKVI and how long it takes for them to issue the curtailment letter to you. Therefore we strongly advise that you count 60 days from the date that we email you.

What if I complete my course early?

If you complete your course earlier than the date that was originally given in your CAS this will have to be reported to UKVI as well. Your visa will be curtailed, but it will expire two months (if your course was less than 12 months long) or four months (if your course is 12 months or longer) after your new course end date. This means you will still get the “wrap-up period” that you had originally. You will be emailed before you are reported so should use the date of the email to countdown your new expiry date. See Length of visa granted and time limits for details of how long your wrap-up period should be.